CVE-2020-15096 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In Electron before versions 6.1.1, 7.2.4, 8.2.4, and 9.0.0-beta21, a context isolation bypass vulnerability exists, allowing code in the main world context to access the isolated Electron context and execute privileged actions.

Understanding CVE-2020-15096

This CVE involves a context isolation bypass vulnerability in Electron versions prior to 6.1.1, 7.2.4, 8.2.4, and 9.0.0-beta21.

What is CVE-2020-15096?

This vulnerability enables code running in the main world context in the renderer to reach into the isolated Electron context and perform privileged actions. Applications utilizing 'contextIsolation' are impacted.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15096

CVSS Base Score: 6.8 (Medium)
Attack Vector: Network
Integrity Impact: High
Privileges Required: High
Scope: Changed

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15096

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows code in the main world context to access the isolated Electron context, leading to unauthorized privileged actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Electron
Affected Versions:
< 6.1.1

= 7.0.0, < 7.2.4

= 8.0.0, < 8.2.4

= 9.0.0-beta.0, < 9.0.0-beta.21

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by executing malicious code in the main world context to access the isolated Electron context.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2020-15096 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Electron to versions 6.1.1, 7.2.4, 8.2.4, or 9.0.0-beta21 to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to address security flaws.
Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Electron versions 6.1.1, 7.2.4, 8.2.4, and 9.0.0-beta21 contain fixes for this vulnerability.